Behind the ESPN paywall, Senior Writer Kevin Pelton has dedicated different weekly mailbags to addressing interesting and noteworthy topics throughout the league. On this week’s iteration, Pelton spends the first portion of this mailbag attempting to address different aspects of defense around the association, particularly: Does it still matter in an offensive-minded, perimeter-oriented league, how important is on-ball defense vs. rim protection, and — most relevant to Pounders — picks for this year’s Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive Teams.
Pelton shared with readers his elections for First and Second Team at each position and followed those choices with three Honorable Mention options in each slot.